Software requirements

Chrome OS version

Chrome OS version 85 or later. See the following KB article for more info: https://kb.parallels.com/125192.

Google Admin console

The Google Admin console is used to set up organizational units, users, and to configure Parallels Desktop related properties. To perform these tasks, you must be a super admin or an admin with sufficient privileges in the Google Admin console.

Please note that Chrome Enterprise Upgrade or Chrome Education Upgrade licenses are required and can be acquired either with Chrome Enterprise devices or separately. For more information, please see https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/1289314.

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows ISO image and Windows license are required.

Activating Windows in a virtual machine

Parallels Desktop for Chrome OS creates a virtual machine, which is essentially a computer with its own virtual hardware. The IT department sets up Windows on this computer and this requires a license. To run Windows on such a computer, activation options include the following:

• SOHO: activate each Windows installation manually or provide keys to employees on request. Windows Home or Windows Pro licenses can be used.
• SMB, SME, and Enterprise: use Microsoft Volume license program. Activate Windows using MAK, KMS, or Active Directory-based activation.

  Note: Windows Enterprise Edition is an upgrade license. To use it, the IT department should also buy a base Windows Pro license for each virtual machine (or Windows Home for qualified Academic purchases).

More information is available at https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/volume-activation/plan-for-volume-activation-client.